What to Do if My Lawyer Is Not Answering My Calls?

Effective, responsive communication between a client and their lawyer is essential. However, there are instances where clients find themselves in a frustrating situation: their lawyer is not answering their calls or responding to their inquiries in a timely manner. This scenario can be disconcerting, especially when dealing with sensitive legal issues. 

So, what steps can you take if you find yourself in this situation? Find out here and don’t hesitate to get in touch with John Foy & Associates – we pride ourselves on being accessible to our clients when it comes to communication, and our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can help you, too. 

Why Isn’t My Lawyer Answering?

Your lawyer should always be able to take your call, so when they aren’t available, we understand how frustrating that can be. There are several reasons why a lawyer may not be answering your calls, and it’s important to consider these possibilities before jumping to conclusions. Some of the common reasons include:

• High caseload: Lawyers often handle multiple cases simultaneously, which can result in a heavy workload and limited availability for immediate responses.
• Court appearances: Attorneys frequently attend court hearings, trials, or meetings with other clients, which may cause them to be unavailable to answer calls during those times.
• Personal emergencies: Just like anyone else, lawyers may encounter personal emergencies or unexpected situations that require their immediate attention and temporarily prevent them from responding to calls.
• Technical issues: Sometimes, technical issues such as phone malfunctions or email problems can hinder communication between a lawyer and their client.

If your lawyer isn’t answering your phone calls, it’s time to switch to The Strong Arm. Give us a call today and find out why so many clients choose us every year.

What Should I Do?

When faced with the challenge of an unresponsive lawyer, knowing the appropriate steps to take can alleviate frustration and ensure your legal matters are addressed effectively. In this section, we’ll explore practical actions you can take to navigate the situation and seek resolution.

Review Your Contract and Communications

Refer back to your initial contract or agreement with the lawyer. Pay close attention to any clauses or provisions regarding communication protocols and response times. This will help you understand if the lawyer is breaching any contractual obligations.

Document Your Attempts to Contact

Keep a record of all your attempts to reach out to your lawyer. Note down the dates, times, and methods of communication (calls, emails, messages). This documentation will serve as evidence if the lack of communication escalates into a legal dispute.

Send a Formal Written Communication

If verbal attempts to contact your lawyer have been unsuccessful, consider sending a formal written communication. This could be an email or a letter outlining your concerns about the lack of communication and requesting a prompt response. Be clear and concise in your communication, and maintain a professional tone.

Contact the Lawyer’s Office

If direct communication with the lawyer is not yielding results, try contacting their office or administrative staff. They may be able to provide insight into the lawyer’s availability or relay your message effectively.

Seek an Alternative Point of Contact

Some law firms have policies in place for clients to contact an alternative attorney or staff member in case of unavailability. Inquire if such options are available to you and utilize them if necessary to address your concerns.

Consider a Face-to-Face Meeting

If communication breakdown persists, consider scheduling a face-to-face meeting with your lawyer. This allows for a more personal and direct conversation where you can express your concerns and seek clarification on the issues at hand.

Evaluate the Relationship

Take a step back and evaluate the overall relationship with your lawyer. Is the lack of communication an isolated incident, or does it reflect deeper issues in the attorney-client relationship? Consider whether it’s in your best interest to continue working with the current lawyer or seek alternative representation.

Explore Other Options

If all attempts to resolve the communication issue amicably fail, you may need to explore other options. This could involve seeking advice from another lawyer, filing a complaint with the relevant regulatory body, or even considering legal action for breach of contract or negligence. 

Either way, you need a responsive lawyer on your side, so partner with the attorneys at John Foy & Associates today.

Make the Switch to John Foy & Associates Today

Dealing with a lawyer who is not answering your calls can be frustrating and concerning, especially when you’re dealing with important legal matters. If your current lawyer isn’t living up to the communication expectations you had in mind, it’s time to make the switch to John Foy & Associates.

Remember, clear communication is key in any attorney-client relationship, and it’s essential to advocate for your rights as a client. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your case – we’re here to be on your side 24/7.